Journal of Agricultural Sciencehttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas
<p><em>Journal of Agricultural Science (JAS)</em> is an international, double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access journal, published by the Canadian Center of Science and Education. It publishes original research, applied, and educational articles monthly in all areas of agricultural science.</p> <p><em>JAS</em> is striving to provide the best platform for researchers and scholars worldwide to exchange their latest findings. Authors are encouraged to <a href="/journal/index.php/jas/information/authors">submit</a> complete, unpublished, original works that are not under review in any other journals. The scopes of the journal include, but are not limited to, the following fields:</p> <ul><li> Agricultural economics</li><li> Agricultural engineering</li><li> Animal science</li><li> Agronomy, including plant science, theoretical production ecology, horticulture, plant breeding, plant fertilization, and soil science</li><li> Aquaculture</li><li> Biological engineering, including genetic engineering and microbiology</li><li> Environmental impacts of agriculture and forestry</li><li> Food science</li><li> Husbandry</li><li> Irrigation and water management</li><li> Land use</li><li> Waste management</li></ul> <p>The journal is published in both print and online versions, and the online version is available for free.</p>Canadian Center of Science and Educationen-USJournal of Agricultural Science1916-9752<p>Submission of an article implies that the work described has not been published previously (except in the form of an abstract or as part of a published lecture or academic thesis), that it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere, that its publication is approved by all authors and tacitly or explicitly by the responsible authorities where the work was carried out, and that, if accepted, will not be published elsewhere in the same form, in English or in any other language, without the written consent of the Publisher. The Editors reserve the right to edit or otherwise alter all contributions, but authors will receive proofs for approval before publication.</p><p>Copyrights for articles published in CCSE journals are retained by the authors, with first publication rights granted to the journal. The journal/publisher is not responsible for subsequent uses of the work. It is the author's responsibility to bring an infringement action if so desired by the author.</p>

Impact of Normal and Shear Stresses Due to Wheel Slip on Hydrological Properties of an Agricultural Clay Loam: Experimental and New Computerized Approachhttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/41833
<p>The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect that mechanical stresses acting under the slipping driving wheels of agricultural equipment have on the soil’s pore system and water flow process (surface runoff generation during extreme event). The field experiment simulated low slip (1%) and high slip (27%) on a clay loam. The stress on the soil surface and changes in the amounts of water flowing from macropores were simulated using the Tires/tracks And Soil Compaction (TASC) tool and the MACRO model, respectively. Taking a 65 kW tractor on a clay loam as a reference, results showed that an increase in slip of the rear wheels from 1% to 27% caused normal stress to increase from 90.6 kPa to 104.4 kPa at the topsoil level, and the maximum shear contact stress to rise drastically from 6.0 kPa to 61.6 kPa. At 27% slip, topsoil was sheared and displaced over a distance of 0.35 m. Excessive normal and shear stress values with high slip caused severe reductions of the soil’s macroporosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and water quantities flowing from topsoil macropores. Assuming that, under conditions of intense rainfall on sloping land, a loss in vertical water flow would mean an increase in surface runoff, we calculated that a rainfall intensity of 100 mm h<sup>-1</sup> and a rainfall duration of 1 h would increase the runoff coefficient to 0.79 at low slip and to 1.00 at high slip, indicating that 100% of rainwater would be transformed into surface runoff at high slip. We expect that these effects have a significant impact on soil erosion and floods in steeper terrain (slope &gt; 15°) and across larger surface areas (&gt; 16 m<sup>2</sup>) than those included in our study.</p>Andrea BattiatoAbdallah AlaouiEtienne Diserens2015-03-152015-03-157Chemical and Biological Properties of Paddy Soil Treated with Herbicides and Pyroligneous Acidhttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/43335
<p>In this study, the effect of different herbicide x pyroligenous acid mixtures on soil chemical and biological properties was evaluated in order to elucidate its potential impacts on nutrient availability and soil quality. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions consisted of 100-fold diluted wood vinegar (100 WV), 50% BCB (Bentazone cyhalofop-butyl), 100% BCB, 50% BCB+100 WV, 50% BCB+250 WV and 50% BCB+500 WV applied against <em>Echinochloa crusgalli</em>. Ten days after herbicide application, the chemical properties were altered and the changes were influenced by the amount of WV dilutions. The soil pH was near neutral to slightly alkaline coupled with decreased electrical conductivity (EC). The total carbon, available phosphorous, exchangeable magnesium, exchangeable sodium, exchangeable calcium, exchangeable potassium and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were relatively lower compared to the control. Biolog<sup>TM</sup> assay showed that different treatments resulted to variable microbial activity, Shannon-Weaver index and richness of carbon utilization potential. Principal component analysis showed segregation of samples based on extracted principal components indicating variable carbon utilization potential due to different treatments combination. Correlation analysis between soil and microbial properties revealed that Principal Component 2 has negative correlation with pH and available P. On the other hand, Principal Component 3 was positively correlated with total C, exch. Ca, Mg, Na, and CEC (0.475, 0.490, 0.555, 0.489, and 0.517, respectively). Application of pyroligneous acid combined with herbicides resulted to changes in soil chemical and biological characteristics which may have unique implications on nutrient availability and overall soil quality.</p>H. R. L. BenzonM. R. U. RubeneciaJr. V. U. UltraSang Chul Lee2015-03-152015-03-157Identification and Screening of Citrus Vein Phloem Degeneration (CVPD) on Brastagi Citrus Variety Brastepu (Citrus nobilis Brastepu) in North Sumatra Indonesiahttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/44042
<p>Identification and screening of Citrus Vein Phloem Degeneration (CVPD) on Brastagi citrus variety Brastepu (<em>Citrus nobilis </em>Brastepu) in North Sumatra Indonesia is explained. The aim of the study is to explore the technique to obtain healthy Brastepu citrus to be used as a source of explants for in vitro propagation as a step in the preservation of threatened local citrus. The studies were conducted through collection of survived Brastepu citrus followed by screening the CVPD in the plants. Various procedures in the field and in the laboratory have been conducted to screen infected CVPD in Brastepu citrus. Visual examination from leaf, fruit, and seed appearance becomes preliminary information for CVPD infection in the citrus plant. Iodine test was used to support results obtained by visual observation. Histochemical test and the PCR analysis have confirmed that 12 samples of Brastepu citrus are free from CVPD and eight citrus are infected by CVPD. Adequate informations have been obtained to confirm healthy citrus tree which are then to be used as sources of explants for <em>in vitro</em> propagation in the preservation of <em>Citrus nobilis </em>Brastepu.</p>Isnaini NurwahyuniJustin A. NapitupuluRosmayati RosmayatiFauziyah Harahap2015-03-152015-03-157Potential Impact of Climate Change Trends on Wheat Production and Mitigation Strategies in Afghanistanhttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/43724
<p>Climate change is here and continues unabated. It is expected to affect different biological processes differently. Afghanistan has a varied climate profile and depends heavily on wheat, the staple food of its 30 million people. The irrigated wheat occupying about 1.35 million hectare and contributes major chunk of wheat to national granaries compared to rainfed wheat which is more opportunistic with an unpredictable and uncertain share in national harvest. Previous decades have already seen a reduction of up to 100 mm wheat season rainfall and more reductions are estimated by 2050. Also, wheat which is a cool season crop and is also estimated to face higher temperatures by up to 5 degree Celsius across several provinces in the country. The study predicts variable impact of the estimated changes on the productivity of irrigated and rainfed wheat in Afghanistan.</p>Rajiv SharmaKai SonderG. Sika2015-03-152015-03-157Effects of Land-Use Intensification on Distribution and Diversity of Fusarium Species in Machakos County, Kenyahttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/41855
<p>Land-use intensification has a significant influence on occurrence of soil microorganisms. The effect of this phenomenon on <em>Fusarium</em> species is poorly characterized. One hundred soil samples were obtained from 3 replicated land- use types (LUT) in Mwala and Kauti irrigation regions in Machakos County. These included two intensive land-uses under irrigation and rain-fed agriculture and undisturbed lands. Mwala irrigated lands were divided into four blocks based on history of cultivation. Using soil dilution plate technique, 1,546 isolates of <em>Fusarium</em> were recovered and identified into twelve species<em> </em>namely;<em> F</em><em>. oxysporum</em>,<em> F. solani</em>,<em> F. nygamai</em>,<em> F. equiseti</em>,<em> F. chlamydosporum</em>,<em> F. beomiforme</em>,<em> F. verticillioides</em>,<em> F. proliferatum</em>,<em> F. acuminatum</em>,<em> F. compactum</em>,<em> F. semitectum</em>,<em> </em>and <em>F. merismoides</em>. <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em> was the most abundant and diverse <em>Fusarium</em> species. <em>Fusarium semitectum</em>,<em> F. compactum</em> and <em>F .merismoides</em> had the least distribution being isolated from only one LUT. <em>Fusarium beomiforme </em>and<em> F. acuminatum</em> were recovered from irrigated farmlands only while <em>F. verticillioides</em>,<em> F. proliferatum </em>and <em>F. acuminatum</em> were restricted to disturbed lands only. The difference in abundance of <em>Fusarium</em> between the three LUTs was significant (<em>P </em>= 0.047) with irrigated lands having the highest abundance. Mwala block A had the highest abundance, richness and diversity of <em>Fusarium</em>. Lands with a higher intensity of disturbance had a higher abundance and richness of <em>Fusarium</em> than the less undisturbed lands. This may have severe implication on crop production as most species of <em>Fusarium</em> isolated are pathogenic. Sustainable ways of controlling these potential crop pathogens should be sought.</p>P. K. MainaP. M. WachiraS. A. OkothJ. W. KimenjuM. OtipaJ. W. Kiarie2015-03-152015-03-157Physicochemical Characteristics of the Maltese Grapevine Varieties – Gellewza and Girgentinahttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/43775
<p>Two indigenous Maltese grape vine varieties (cv. Gellewza and Girgentina) juice extracts were studied for their physicochemical properties at three different locations on the Island of Malta. The mean acidity for Gellewza and Girgentina was 2.729±0.088 and 3.971±0.179 g/L, pH was 4.026±0.039 and 3.704±0.042 and a %Brix was 17.913±0.364 and 17.531±0.189, indicating similarities between the variety-location combinations. Spectroscopic analysis revealed significant difference between the two varieties. The Gellewza variety exhibited a high colour index (3.055-10.774) while the Girgentina variety showed a high tonality ratio (2.656-3.111). Although, the total polyphenolic content of the two varieties was not significant differently in most cases (754.771-2643.552 mg/kg), the red grape Gellewza had significantly higher anthocyanin content (708.236±68.451 mg/kg) compared to the white grape Girgentina (14.412±1.119 mg/kg). Principal component analysis confirmed the differences between the varieties and also exhibited distinctive location differences, based on their physicochemical characteristics.</p>Marilyn TheumaClaudette GambinEveraldo Attard2015-03-152015-03-157Characterization and Recycling of Organic Waste after Co-Composting - A Reviewhttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/43912
<p>Co-composting produces a valuable compost material that can be used as valuable soil amendment. The process of the co-composting and control of the composting factors are the current challenges for the researchers. There are different factors that govern the quality, stability and the maturity of the co-compost in terms of amount of plant nutrients and reduction of heavy metals. Among these, C:N ratio is a parameter that can affect the loss of plant nutrients. Different studies showed wide ranges of C:N ratios (14-40) for maturity of quality compost. Temperature, aeration and types of the bulking agents also regulate the process of co-composting. Most widely used co-composted materials are animal manures with agro-wastes (sawdust, wheat straw, rice straw, corn stalks etc.). This practice brought substantial loss of heavy metals and maximum retention of plant nutrients. Higher nutrients contents of the compost and favourable soil properties as a result of co-composting of the saw dust, cow dung and egg shells have been reported. The application of co-composted dairy manure with wheat straw and sawdust produced higher plant biomass. Co-compost of cattle manure with rice straw produced an organic matter, total N and C:N ratio contents suitable for soil amendment. Therefore, this review focuses on the characteristics and utilization of organic waste after a reasonable co-composting process.</p>Z. AnwarM. IrshadI. FareedA. Saleem2015-03-152015-03-157Effect of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Garlic Crop (Allium sativum L.) in Northern Ethiopiahttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/43959
<p>Among others, low soil fertility status is a limiting factor for crop production in the study area in particular and northern Ethiopia in general. Increment of garlic yield with balanced fertilization is a key important factor identified. However, use of correct type and rate of fertilizer applications are major problems in the study area. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of N, P, S, and Zn fertilizers and compost on yield and growth parameters of garlic (<em>Allium sativum</em> L.) and specify optimum fertilizer dose at field level. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications and five experimental plots (treated with N-P-S-Zn, N-P-S, N-P, compost and control) with unit plot size of 3 m × 3.5 m = 10.5 m<sup>2</sup> and subjected to analysis of variance. The results showed that a combination of N, P, S, and Zn­ fertilizers gave a significant higher yield over the control plot (<em>P = 0.05</em>).<em> </em>The mean bulb yield obtained from plots fertilized with N-P-S-Zn, N-P-S, N-P fertilizers and compost was 4760, 4388, 4240 and 3451 kg he<sup>-1</sup>, respectively while 2996.5 kg he<sup>-1</sup> was the lowest average yield obtained from control plot. Similarly, the yield and growth parameters were increased progressively with combined application of N, P, S, and Zn. It can therefore be concluded that for increased garlic yield in the study area, application of 130 kg N, 20 kg P, 21 kg S and 15 kg Zn fertilizers per hectare could be needed.</p>Abraha Gebrekiros AssefaSolomon Habtu MisginaYirga Woldu Abrha2015-03-152015-03-157Characterization of Oil Yield and Quality in Shatter-Resistant Dwarf Sesame Produced in Virginia, USAhttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/43133
<p>Sesame has potential as an alternative crop for former tobacco farmers in eastern USA to increase agricultural diversification and enhance farm incomes. Oil yield and quality of five shatter-resistant and dwarf sesame cultivars when grown using rows 37.5 cm or 75 cm apart were evaluated. Sesame was planted on 23 May and 8 Jun. (PT1) during 2011 and on 17 and 9 Jul. (PT2) during 2012. Early planting (Late May to early June) resulted in 716.6 kg oil/ha as compared to 479.6 kg oil/ha from late planting (early June to mid-July). The closer row spacing of 37.5 cm out-yielded the wider row spacing of 75 cm by about 34% for oil yield. Early planting increased the contents of C16:0, C20:0, C18:1, and C20:1 fatty acids whereas late planting increased the contents of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids. Contents of total saturated fatty acids and mono-unsaturated fatty acids were also greater after early planting as compared to those after late plantings. Closer row spacing of 37.5 cm resulted in significantly higher contents of C20:1 and saturated fatty acids in the oil as compared to the wider row spacing of 75 cm. Sesame seed produced in Virginia contained 6.8% more oil than that produced in Texas (45. 5 vs. 42.6%, respectively). The results indicated that sesame could be produced in the mid-Atlantic region of USA.</p>Harbans L. BhardwajAnwar A. HamamaMark E. KraemerD. Ray Langham2015-03-152015-03-157An Experimental Study in Simulated Greenroof in Mediterranean Climatehttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/44109
<p>The use of green roofs in the Mediterranean area is becoming more widespread. Use of the species which are most commonly used across the world can be limited by the specific conditions of the Mediterranean climate. An experimental green roof simulation tested the performance of 12 species divided into three groups according to growth form (ground cover, sub-shrub, rhizomatous-herbaceous). Different irrigation criteria were applied to each group: in two sections potential evapotranspiration (ET0) levels of 20% and 40% were applied, while the third section was rainfed. Mortality, green coverage, blooming and final biomass were measured.</p> <p>The amount of water received and the low winter temperatures affected plant mortality. Significant differences in coverage were observed when comparing the rainfed section with the two irrigated areas. Ground cover plants in the irrigated sections achieved the best results in terms of coverage. Significant differences in biomass were observed only when comparing the irrigated plots with the rainfed plot. The influence of different irrigation protocols on flowering was observed in five species only.</p> <p>The growth form groups responded in different ways to drought stress: rhizomatous-herbaceous developed slowly and consistently; ground cover developed quickly and relied more on the water supply; sub-shrubs showed lower resistance to drought stress under the present experimental conditions. Of the 12 plants tested for green-roof adaptation in a Mediterranean climate, those which performed best were: <em>Centranthus ruber</em> (L.) DC., <em>Santolina rosmarinifolia</em> L., <em>Helichrysum stoechas </em>(L.) Moench, <em>Iris lutescens </em>Lam..</p>Antonio VestrellaRobert SavéCarmen Biel2015-03-152015-03-157Suppression of Hepatitis B Virus Production and Inflammatory Response in vitro and in vivo by Mormodica charantia Compound EMCDOhttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/44096
<p>Eight compounds were purified from <em>Mormodica charanti</em>,<em> </em>and their chemical structures were determined in this study. Their anti-HBV and anti-inflammation activities were investigated. Compound EMCDO exhibited the most efficient effect in terms of reducing HBV surface antigen, e antigen and viral DNA levels in HBV particles or surface antigen-producing cells 2.2.15 and PLC/PRF/5, respectively. Tumor suppressor p53 played a significant role in EMCDO-mediated anti-HBV effects. Pretreatment with EMCDO prevented 2.2.15 cells-induced tumor formation in a nude mice subcutaneous model. The anti-HBV and anti-tumor activities of EMCDO were better than those of oltipraz, an inhibitor of HBV transcription. EMCDO reduced the proinflammatory cytokines and mediators in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The LPS-upregulated phosphorylation level of Ika was reduced in the presence of EMCDO. The transcription activity of NF-kB was increased in cells treated with EMCDO. Utilization of a mouse ear edema model further confirmed the activity of EMCDO against TPA-elicited inflammation.</p>Chi-I ChangChiy-Rong ChenYo-Chia ChenKuei-Wen ChengBo-Wei LinYun-Wen LiaoWen-Ling Shih2015-03-152015-03-157Analysis of Agricultural Policies Affecting Medjool Date Palm Cultivation in Jordanhttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/44453
<p>The objective of this study was analyzing the agricultural policies which affecting Medjool date palm cultivation in Middle Ghors region, Jordan. In this study, Primary data were collected by personal interviews to farmers in the target area while secondary data were collected from different governmental offices. According to the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) approach, results showed that the Domestic Resource Cost Ratio (DRC) was less than one 0.27, which means that there was a comparative advantage in producing Medjool date palms. The measures of economic protection showed that there was a subsidy for agricultural producer in the Middle Ghors region because of the domestic resource price of this crop was less than the world price. Therefore, encouraging planting Medjool date palm will enhance the economic efficiency of agricultural resources in the Middle Ghors region in Jordan.</p>Ebraheem Suliman Altahat2015-03-152015-03-157Effect of Organic Manure in the Induction of Resistance of Citrus to Phytophthora parasiticahttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/42859
<p>Gummosis and root rot caused by <em>Phytophthora</em> are among the most economically important diseases in <em>Citrus</em>. Chemical control has been used; however, it is essential to search for new alternatives for its control. This study aimed to: (i) produce an organic compound from the anaerobic fermentation of cattle manure, (ii) determine the microbial diversity present in the compound, (iii) determine the effect of compound on mycelial growth of <em><em>Phytophthora parasitica</em></em> (<em><em>P</em></em><em>.<strong> <em><em>nicotianae</em></em></strong></em>), (iv) evaluate its effect in inducing resistance to the pathogen<em> </em>in five <em>Citrus </em>rootstocks and, (v) evaluate the expression profile of some defense-related genes in resistant plants of <em>Poncirus trifoliata </em>and susceptible plants of Caipira sweet orange. The largest microbial population occurred between 25 and 35 days after production of organic manure with predominance of <em>Bacillus</em> spp. The organic manure at concentration of 20% inhibited about 80% of the mycelial growth of <em><em>P. parasitica</em></em>. Plants of Caipira sweet orange (susceptible to <em><em>P. parasitica</em></em>) when treated with organic manure at all concentrations (10, 20 and 50%), had lower disease severity when compared with the respective control. The analysis of gene expression suggested that the combination of treatment followed by inoculation with the pathogen in plants of Caipira sweet orange, the susceptible genotype, was able to increase the expression level of the genes encoding chitinase (<em>CHI</em>), lipoxygenase (<em>LOX</em>), peroxidase (<em>POX</em>), B-1,3-glucanase and chalcone synthase (<em>CHS</em>). It is believed that they should be involved with the resistance of <em>Citrus</em> plants to<em> <em><em>P. parasitica</em></em></em>.</p>Mariângela Cristofani-YalyLeonardo Pires BoavaEvandro Henrique SchinorKátia Cristina Kupper2015-03-152015-03-157Immediate and Transgenerational Regulation of Plant Stress Response through DNA Methylationhttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/44386
<p>Epigenetics refers to the heritable changes in gene activity without altering the DNA sequence. DNA methylation along with other epigenetic mechanisms is involved in the chromatin remodeling. This remodeling, especially in plants, plays an important role in the activation or silencing of specific genes as well as other genomic regions in response to the developmental and environmental clues. Environmental clues, biotic and abiotic stresses trigger the shift in the site specific as well as genome wide DNA methylation patterns which influences the plant response to these situations through gene regulation. Therefore, it is of prime importance to analyze variation in the DNA methylation pattern under stress conditions. This review summarizes the topic of DNA methylation by providing the basic/conceptual knowledge and some cases of DNA methylation shift due to stresses.</p>A. R. KhanS. M. ShahM. Irshad2015-03-152015-03-157Jasmine 85 from Seven Rice Seed Production Sources in Ghana Are Genetically Differenthttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/43313
<p>Jasmine 85 is the most popular and widely cultivated rice variety in Ghana. Samples of Jasmine 85 were collected from seven seed sources with a reference sample obtained from Africa Rice Center, Senegal. Morphological evaluation involved qualitative and quantitative data. Jasmine 85 from all sources were similar in terms of aroma, anthocyanin coloration, leaf pubescence, and ligule shape. The sources showed significant differences to pericarp colour, days to 50% heading, plant height, seed length and seed width.</p> <p>Physico-chemical analyses showed grain size and shape, grain chalkiness; cooking time, head rice yield, gelatinisation temperature, amylose content and viscosity properties differed significantly among the sources whilst grain hardness was not significantly different.</p> <p>Molecular characterisation using 15 SSR markers showed that although closely related, the sources differed significantly. None of the sources in Ghana was genetically identical to the reference sample. Seeds from different sources should not be mixed for sale or production, and these varieties should be treated separately in future evaluations.</p>O. T. AkintayoB. K. MaalekuuJ. K. SaajahP. K. A. DarteyJ. ManfulM. SowM. NdjiondjopS. Graham-AcquaahS. O. Abebrese2015-03-152015-03-157Effect of Trap Orientation and Interval Distance on Captures of Isoceras sibirica Alpheraky (Lepidoptera: Cossidae)http://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/44082
<p class="canada">Studies were conducted in an asparagus field in taigu (37°18'N, 112°29'E, 824 m above sea level), Shanxi province, China, May to June, 2009 to 2011, to evaluate the influence of interval distance and orientation on catches of the carpenterworm,<em> Isoceras sibirica</em> Alpheraky (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) in pheromone-baited traps. The results showed that catches of male <em>I. sibirica </em>moths in upwind were higher than in other traps for any intertrap distances. When intertrap distances were shorter than 30 m, interference between traps occurred. These results reveal the effective trap orientation and interval distance for<em> I. sibirica </em>and thus provide guidelines for improving the effectiveness of traps in monitoring and controlling <em>I. sibirica</em> in fields.</p>Hongxia LiuZhixiong LiuHaixia ZhengMeihong YangJinlong LiuJintong Zhang2015-03-152015-03-157Evaluation of Growth Performance, Haematological and Serum Biochemical Response of Broiler Chickens to Aqueous Extract of Ginger and Garlichttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/44331
<p>An experiment which lasted for 56 days was carried out to investigate the growth performance, haematological and serum biochemical response of broiler chickens to aqueous extract of ginger and garlic. Eighty day-old Marshal Strain broiler chickens were used for the experiment. The birds were randomly allotted into four treatment groups consisting of four replicates with five birds per replicate. The aqueous extract was obtained by infusing 14 g of each test ingredient in 1 litre of hot boiled water for 12 hours and 50 ml of the filtrate/litre of drinking water given to birds’ <em>ad-libitum</em>. T1 (control), T2, T3, and T4 contained 0, and 50 mls of ginger, garlic and a 1:1 ratio mixture of ginger and garlic in drinking water respectively. T2 gave the best performance (p &lt; 0.05) in all growth performance traits – final body weight, weekly weight gain, weekly feed intake and feed conversion ratio and T1 the least. Significant (p &lt; 0.01) increases were observed in haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, white blood cell, and red blood cell of the ginger and garlic treated birds. The serum biochemical parameters measured were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) different, with T2 and T3 showing a better response. Cholesterol decreased significantly (p &gt; 0.05) while there was significant increase in the total protein, albumin, and globulin of the treated birds (p &lt; 0.01). Administration of ginger and garlic to broiler chickens increased their performance, boosted their immunity as well as improved their general well-being. It is, thus, recommended in broiler chicken production.</p>Vivian U. Oleforuh-OkolehHarriet M. Ndofor-FolengSolomon O. OlorunlekeJoesph O. Uguru2015-03-152015-03-157Biodegradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in a Tropical Ultisol Using Legume Plants and Organic Manurehttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/43762
<p>Global emphasis on food security and soil health should consider rehabilitation of degraded lands, especially where oil contamination limits the use of such lands. Three legume plants (<em>Gliricidia sepium</em>, <em>Leucaena leucocephala</em> and <em>Calapoconium caerulean</em>) alone or along with 0.5% (w/w) (equivalent of 10 tons ha<sup>-1</sup>) poultry manure, were used to treat the soil, in which the oil residuals were monitored for three years. Results showed that significantly high levels of residual total petroleum hydrocarbon content (RTPHs) persisted in the non-amended soil after 36 months. At 3 months, 43% of RTPHs was removed by <em>Gliricidia sepium</em> and <em>Leucaena </em>luecocephala<em> </em>along with poultry manure. Net loss of RTPHs after 12 months was 69% for <em>Gliricidia sepium</em> and <em>Leucaena luecocephala</em> combined with poultry manure and<em> </em>only 38% for A<sub>5</sub>, explaining that, degradation of petroleum hydrocarbon by indigenous soil micro-organisms was very low. At 18 months when additional load of oil was applied, the degradation rate increased from 71.7 mg kg<sup>-1</sup> day<sup>-1</sup> to 142 mg kg day<sup>-1</sup> within 6 months for all the legume plants along with poultry manure. This explained increased in number of hydrocarbon-degrading micro-organisms due to increase in oil load. The oil inhibited germination and yield of maize crop completely. Treatments with legume plant along with poultry manure significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased both germination and yield of maize crop. The effects of legume plants combined with poultry manure were the better treatment than legume or poultry manure alone in improving the soil properties for growth and performance of maize crop.</p>B. E. UdomB. O. Nuga2015-03-152015-03-157Evaluation of Four Sunflower Hybrids (Helianthus annuus) under Three Irrigation Regimes and Two Doses of Fertilization on Flower Productionhttp://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/44197
<p>Flower production is an income source for farming families. However, their productivity has been limited due to the lack of information on technical managements of crop species. In Mexico, 21,129 hectares are planted every year, with an annual production of 83,000 tons of flowers for decoration, and a total production value of 6,097 million Mexican pesos. In order to design agronomic management practices for sunflower production in the state of Campeche, three factors were evaluated: 1) sunflower hybrids, 2) time of irrigation and 3) fertilization doses, with four (hybrids: “Sunbright”, “Prado Red Shade”, “Full Sun” and “GH-382”), three (soil moisture tension at the start of irrigation of -10, -35 and -60 kPa), and two (Fertilization formulas: 60-50-0, and 30-25-0) levels, respectively using a sub split plot arrangement nested in a complete random block design with three replicates. Response variables evaluated were: plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), leaf width (LW), leaf length (LL), distance between nodes (DN), number of inflorescences (NF), inner diameter (IDF), external diameter (EDF) and capitulum weight (CW). Irrigation affected PH, SD, LL, IDF, EDF, and CW. In all these variables, the highest values were found when irrigation was conducted at the lowest moisture tension (-10 kPa). Likewise, in all those variables significant effect of hybrids were found, which confirms that the morphology of flowers is defined by genetic factors. Specifically, hybrid “Full Sun” had significantly higher PH, SD, and DN compared to the rest of the hybrids. “Full Sun” and “Sunbright” had the highest values for PH and LL. “Full Sun” and “GH 382” had significantly higher IDF and EDF. “Prado Red Shade” had significantly lower PH, SD, LL, CW and higher NF. Fertilization only had significant effects on LW, DN and CW. In conclusion, irrigation improves morphological characteristics of sunflower plants. If the farmer’s objective is to produce larger flowers, then hybrids “Fun Sun” and “GH 382” are recommended. However, if the objective is to produce small flowers, hybrids “Sunbright” and “Prado Red Shade” are recommended. The latter is also suitable to produce a larger number of capitula.</p>E. Carrillo-ÁvilaC. García-AcedoJ. Arreola-EnríquezC. Landeros-SánchezM. L. Osnaya-GonzálezC. Castillo Aguilar2015-03-152015-03-157Ecotype and Foliar Fertilization with Florovit Affect Herbage Yield and Quality of Greenhouse-Grown Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)http://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/44078
<p>Basil is usually grown in 0.5-0.7 dm<sup>3</sup> pots, at 25 plants per pot. However, potted basil plants wilt and die easily due to high plant density, low substrate volume, insufficient moisture and nutrient depletion. The aim of this study was to determine the herbage yield and nutritional value of greenhouse-grown basil. A two-factorial experiment was performed in a randomized block design with three replications, in 2012-2013. A two-factorial experiment was performed in a randomized block design with three replications, in 2012-2013 Six basil (<em>Ocimum basilicum</em> L.) ecotypes were analyzed: sweet basil, ‘Queen of Siam’ basil, purple basil, cinnamon basil, lemon basil and ‘Minette’ basil. The second experimental factor was foliar fertilization with Florovit at a concentration of 0.5% and 1%. Basil yield was significantly affected by the ecotype and the interaction between the experimental factors. ‘Minette’ basil fertilized with 1% Florovit solution was characterized by the highest fresh herbage yield. A statistical analysis revealed that Florovit had no significant effect on basil yield. The concentrations of dry matter, total sugars, L-ascorbic acid and nitrates(V) in basil herbage varied across ecotypes. Foliar fertilization had a significant effect on the organic acid content of basil leaves. The accumulation of the analyzed components in basil herbage was significantly affected by the interaction between the experimental factors. Basil yield was significantly affected by the ecotype. ‘Minette’ and ‘Siam Queen’ basil was characterized by the highest fresh herbage yield. The fresh herbage of ‘Minette’ basil contained the lowest concentrations of dry matter, total sugars, L-ascorbic acid, organic acids and nitrates(V).</p>Joanna Majkowska-GadomskaEmilia MikulewiczArtur DobrowolskiAnna Dziedzic2015-03-152015-03-157Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 7, No. 4http://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/46235
Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 7, No. 4, 2015.Anne Brown2015-03-152015-03-157